News

Fell Swoop to represent Inglis in The Everest

22nd Jun 2017

Canberra galloper Fell Swoop will contest the $10m The Everest as the Inglis slot representative.

The Matt Dale-trained 5YO has won nine of his 23 starts and is five-time Group 1 placed – twice in the TJ Smith Stakes as well as the Oakleigh Plate, Darley Classic and Manikato Stakes.

The Everest, in its inaugural year, will be the world’s richest race on turf when it’s run at Randwick on Saturday October 14.

There are now four confirmed runners in The Everest, of which three are Inglis graduates – Fell Swoop, Chautauqua and She Will Reign.

To view our Inglis TV production of Fell Swoop and The Everest, CLICK HERE.

Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster was thrilled to have Fell Swoop as the company’s 2017 slot runner.

“We opened up expressions of interest for the Inglis slot back in March and received significant feedback from prospective owners, so this certainly wasn’t an easy decision,’’ Webster said.

“In Fell Swoop we believe we have a genuine winning chance trained by one of Australia’s best young trainers in Matt Dale and a horse who is proven as a legitimate Group 1 performer.

“To have finished in the minor placings in the last two editions of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick behind Chautauqua – as well as a further three Group 1 placings throughout his career to date – Fell Swoop is undoubtedly one of the best credentialed runners in the race.

“I know Matt will present the horse in outstanding order on the day and we wish him and the connections all the very best.’’

Matt Dale was equally excited about the opportunity to contest the race.

“It’s a very exciting concept and it’s unbelievable to be a part of it in year one with a horse like Fell Swoop,’’ the trainer said.

“We’re privileged to join forces with Inglis to secure an Everest slot in the inaugural running of the race.

“The horse spelled really well in Queensland and has now entered pre-training at Aquagait.

“He’ll come back into the stables in a couple of weeks and then it’s all systems go toward the Everest.’’

Fell Swoop was a $45,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase for Dale from the Dartbrook Downs Thoroughbreds draft in 2013.

He has won nine of his 23 starts – and run seven minor placings – for $1,643,170 prizemoney.

Australian Turf Club Chief Executive Darren Pearce welcomed the announcement that Fell Swoop was heading for The Everest.

“The Everest is already creating huge excitement and a horse of the calibre of Fell Swoop adds great strength to the race,’’ Pearce said.

“His place in The Everest for such a large group of owners and syndicates highlights how all types of owners can be part of this $10 million race.’’